Supervisor Tim Braun: Saginaw Township grows, violent crime declines

SAGINAW TOWNSHIP, MI — Though Saginaw Township’s population surpassed 40,000 in recent years, violent crime in the community has decreased, Saginaw Township Supervisor Tim Braun said during his state of the township address.

Braun cited FBI statistics that show Part 1 crimes in Saginaw Township were reduced by nearly half from 1991 to 2011, the latest year for which data is available.

Part 1 crimes include violent crimes, such as homicide, criminal sexual conduct, robbery and felonious assault, and property crimes against persons, such as burglary, larceny, auto theft and arson.

Braun said there were 1,050 Part 1 crimes in Saginaw Township in 2011, down from 2,010 Part 1 crimes in 1991.

“This is remarkable given all the ways greater Saginaw has changed over the same period of time,” he told the crowd.

Violent crime totals have declined each year from 2008 to 2011, he said, from 103 in 2008, to 90 in 2009, to 87 in 2010, to 73 in 2011.

Braun said Saginaw Township’s violent crime rate is 1.8 per 1,000 residents, less than the national rate of 3.86 per 1,000 residents and the state’s rate of 4.45 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.

Crime statistics for 2012 are to be certified and released by the FBI in September.

Braun credited the work of law enforcement officers and the Saginaw Township Police Department’s Crime Prevention Union for the decline in crime.

He recognized the work of the township manager, Department of Public Services, Saginaw Township Fire Department and all other township staff, as well.

“Our board members, manager, department heads and employees are always working to move our community forward,” he said. “...From everything I’ve shared with you this afternoon, it is very clear why Saginaw Township is moving forward and steadily growing.”

Braun’s state of the township address followed the awards ceremony during which five Saginaw Township businesses were honored.

Saginaw Township selected four businesses to be recognized as businesses of the year. Following is the list:

And the Saginaw Township Business Association gave its first business of the year award to West Side Decorating Center, 5789 State Street.

Braun also mentioned award recipients from the last several years, including Green Acres Plaza, United Financial Credit Union, Morley Companies, Saginaw Valley Equine Clinic, Harvey’s Grill and Bar, and Township Square Apartment Homes.

“These are 22 businesses that in difficult economic times...chose to locate in Saginaw Township or make a significant financial re-investment by renovating their businesses,” he said. “This demonstrates the positive business climate in our community.”

Saginaw Township by the numbers:

703 — Runs Saginaw Township firefighters made in 2012

40,840 — Saginaw Township residents

15 — Parks on 225 acres maintained by Department of Public Services

43 — Sworn officers make up the Saginaw Township Police Department, led by Chief Don Pussehl and his two lieutenants